Man linked to weapon in deadly Matamoros kidnapping waives preliminary examination

A member of the Mexican security forces stands next to a white minivan with North Carolina plates and several bullet holes, at the crime scene where gunmen …

A member of the Mexican security forces stands next to a white minivan with North Carolina plates and several bullet holes, at the crime scene where gunmen kidnapped four U.S. citizens who crossed into Mexico from Texas, Friday, March 3, 2023. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the four Americans were going to buy medicine and were caught in the crossfire between two armed groups after they had entered Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas, on Friday. (AP Photo)

by: Alejandra Yañez

Posted: Mar 23, 2023 / 04:47 PM CDT

Updated: Mar 23, 2023 / 04:47 PM CDT

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) – The Valley man linked to the weapon used to kill and kidnap U.S. citizens in Matamoros has waived his right to a preliminary examination, records indicate.

As previously reported by ValleyCentral, Roberto Lugardo Moreno of Harlingen, admitted to purchasing this and other firearms for individuals that he knew were going to provide them to a Gulf Cartel figure in Mexico, according to a criminal complaint.

On March 14, Homeland Security investigators in Harlingen learned that the same AR-style pistol had been recovered by Mexican authorities and linked to the murders and kidnappings of U.S. citizens on March 3 in Matamoros.

Lugardo Moreno filed the waiver for a preliminary examination Thursday.

He is being held without bond, records show.